How much does excavation and grading cost in Cicero, IL?

Most Cicero homeowners spend between $8,050 – $24,100 on excavation and grading, with an average around $16,100. Local labor prices 7% above the national average, so Cicero quotes tend to land at the higher end of national ranges.

Why is excavation and grading more or less expensive in Cicero than elsewhere?

Near-west suburb priced just under Chicago proper. Older housing stock and harsh winters raise repair scope.

Do I need a permit for excavation and grading in Cicero, Illinois?

Town permits and licensed-contractor requirements apply. Always confirm current requirements with the local building department before signing a contract, and make sure the permit is pulled by your licensed contractor.

How many quotes should I get in Cicero?

Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured Illinois contractors. Comparing line items — not just the bottom line — is the fastest way to spot an inflated bid in the Chicago market.

How much does excavation and grading cost in 2026?

Most homeowners pay between $7,500 and $22,500, with a national average near $15,000. Small, simple jobs land at the low end; large or premium-material jobs run well above the high end.

What is the cost per cubic yard?

Installed pricing usually runs $50.00 to $150.00 per cubic yard, including labor and materials. Expensive metros can run 15–45% higher than that range.

What drives the price up the most?

Scope and access. Larger quantities lower your per-cubic yard price, but difficult access, demolition of existing work, structural repairs found mid-job, premium materials and rush scheduling each add 8–30%.

Permits are typically required when the work changes structure or ties into electrical, plumbing, gas or mechanical systems. Budget $75–$600 in most cities and confirm whether your contractor pulls it — unpermitted work can block a future home sale.

How long does the job take?

Most residential projects of this type finish in one to five working days once materials are on site. Custom orders, inspections and weather are the usual causes of delay.

How many quotes should I get?

Three. Bids on the same scope commonly vary 20–40%, and the middle bid with the strongest warranty and references is usually the best value — the cheapest bid often excludes prep, disposal or permits.

Home/Cost guides/Excavation and Grading/Cicero, IL

Chicago · Illinois

Excavation and Grading cost in Cicero, IL

Cicero homeowners typically pay $8,050 – $24,100 for excavation and grading. Local labor and materials price 7% above the national average.

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Cicero average

$16,100

Typical low

$8,050

Typical high

$24,100

Per cubic yard

$54 – $160

Sample ZIP

60804

What drives Cicero pricing

Local labor

Near-west suburb priced just under Chicago proper.

Permits & code

Town permits and licensed-contractor requirements apply.

Climate & conditions

Older housing stock and harsh winters raise repair scope.

Instant cost calculator

Adjust the inputs to see live pricing

Material to move (cubic yards)150 cubic yards

Quality / material level

Site access

Removal / prep work

Timing

Estimated project cost

$9,405 – $12,968

Most homeowners pay around $11,186

Compare quality / material level

Cost by material in Cicero

Installed Cicero pricing per cubic yard.

Option	Installed cost	Pros	Cons
Simple grading	$66 – $91	—	—
Standard excavation and haul	$91 – $120	—	—
Rock or difficult soil	$120 – $155	—	—
Excavation with retaining and drainage	$155 – $215	—	—

Where the money goes in Cicero

A typical $16,100 Cicero project, broken down by line item.

Labor0.45% · $72
Materials0.38% · $61
Permits & inspections0.05% · $8
Overhead & profit0.12% · $19

Common add-ons

Extras that show up on Cicero quotes but rarely in the headline price.

Soil haul-off

$21 – $64

Rock breaking

$105 – $320

Erosion control

$535 – $3,200

Compaction testing

$430 – $1,600

Ways to save in Cicero

Keep excavated soil on site for backfill and berms to avoid haul-off.
Schedule when the ground is dry — wet soil doubles handling time.
Collect three written bids on an identical scope — spreads of 20–40% are normal.
Book in the off-season and stay flexible on the start date to save 5–15%.
Bundle nearby work into one mobilization so you only pay setup and travel once.
Ask what the contractor would change to cut 10% without hurting durability.

Cicero FAQs

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More Cicero research

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Excavation and Grading cost near Cicero

Excavation and Grading cost in Chicago, IL

$8,577 – $25,677

Excavation and Grading cost in Naperville, IL

$8,426 – $25,226

Excavation and Grading cost in Aurora, IL

$7,975 – $23,875

Excavation and Grading cost in Evanston, IL

$8,727 – $26,127

Excavation and Grading cost in Schaumburg, IL

$8,200 – $24,550

Excavation and Grading cost in Joliet, IL

$7,824 – $23,424

More Illinois cities

Elgin Springfield Peoria Rockford Champaign

Other project costs in Cicero

Fence Installation in Cicero

$1,605 – $4,280

Roof Replacement in Cicero

$9,095 – $36,380

Kitchen Remodel in Cicero

$19,260 – $101,650

HVAC Replacement in Cicero

$5,885 – $19,260

Deck Building in Cicero

$4,708 – $12,840

Window Replacement in Cicero

$482 – $1,605

See every Cicero cost guide